Synagogue Assailant Had Been Freed On Bail After Sexual assault Arrest, Law enforcement Confirm

Scene of incident

As stated by police officials, Jihad Al-Shamie was arrested under investigation of sexual assault and had been released on police bail at the time he perpetrated a lethal vehicle and stabbing assault targeting a Greater Manchester synagogue.

One victim and Melvin Cravitz were killed in the attack last Thursday, while three people are still hospitalized.

Investigators suspect that Al-Shamie may have been influenced by "extreme Islamist ideology" and stated that additional suspects, between 18 and mid-40s, were detained under suspicion of planning and enabling of terrorist activities.

Tributes Offered to Victims

Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby
Tributes were offered to Melvin Cravitz (left) and Adrian Daulby (right)

The following day, relatives of the deceased men expressed their grief to their family members, hailing them as heroes who died protecting people.

The 53-year-old victim and Mr Cravitz, 66 were killed during the incident after the attacker used a vehicle against bystanders prior to stabbing people that morning.

Local authorities confirmed one victim sustained injuries by police gunfire as they shot the attacker soon after the incident was reported.

Family Comments

The relatives of one victim stated he "died in the brave attempt to protect people" and his final act "demonstrated extreme bravery and he will forever be remembered".

Mr Cravitz, a local resident, was working as a security guard at the synagogue.

In tribute, his family said: "He had been so kind, caring and constantly tried to chat and build relationships.

"He was dedicated to his spouse, family and enjoyed his food. He will be deeply mourned by his wife, loved ones, friends and community."

Probe Initiated into Police Response

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it would investigate the employment of deadly weapons by armed police responding to the incident, which happened on the Jewish Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Armed police inadvertently killed one victim, while worshipper another individual was also shot by police resulting in major wounds.

The investigation will concentrate on the "circumstances surrounding the fatal police shooting of Jihad Al-Shamie", as well as "if police may have contributed to or contributed to the death of the individual later found to have suffered the lethal bullet injury".

Attack Particulars Disclosed

Anti-terrorism authorities also released more details about what happened in the run up to Thursday's attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue.

In a statement released to the media the next day, a senior officer said: "According to reports from witness accounts that a man was seen acting suspiciously outside the synagogue before he was approached by security and left the area".

During that moment, the situation was not reported to authorities. A short time after, "the individual returned in a vehicle and began his horrific attack," the official added.

Police are seeking legal orders to extend the custody of all individuals currently detained, he also said. Earlier, Greater Manchester Police said three other suspects - two men in their thirties and a woman in her sixties - had been arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

Eyewitness Reports

Rabbi Daniel Walker was leading prayers when his place of worship was attacked and recounted seeing "evil and hate" as a man began "body-charging the doors, throwing large containers, attempting everything possible to get in".

Commending the quick-thinking of congregation members, he informed reporters: "I saw genuine heroism, I have to say, and individuals who rushed to assist fellow worshippers instead of fleeing. It was astonishing."

Alan Levy, the temple's head official told news organizations, he overheard Al-Shamie shouting "this is what they get for harming innocent youth", prior to "banging his knife into the windows, trying to get through".

Additional Information

  • Temple Assault Individuals 'Died Protecting People'
  • Eyewitnesses Recount Local Temple Assault
  • What We Know About Temple Assailant
Melissa Moore
Melissa Moore

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